Melbourne woman missing for 17 days

The search for a missing 19-year-old woman from Melbourne has been escalated after she was last seen leaving her Brunswick home in Melbourne’s north about 6pm on Friday, October 4.

Isla Bell has not been seen for 17 days with her family, friends and police holding concerns about her welfare due to the length of time since she has been missing.

The case has now been referred to officers from the Fawkner Crime Investigation Unit who are now trying to locate her.

A police spokesperson said Ms Bell may have travelled into the Melbourne CBD. She is described as being of slim build, with red hair, pale complexion and nose, lip and eyebrow piercings.

Her former boss Tamara Griffiths asked people on social media to contact police immediately if they saw the young woman, especially in the company of an older man.

“Do not approach or intervene – your safety is important too,” she shared on social media.

“Isla is deeply loved by her family and friends. Every share, every set of eyes looking out for her, brings us one step closer to bringing her home safely.”

Ms Griffiths worked with the missing woman for more than two years at a nursery where she would propagate and pot plants.

She said they shared herbal teas, work, the garden, plants and formed an understanding friendship during the time they worked together.

“I learned a great deal about being a boss from her,” she said.

“At the nursery, the offering vessel on Lady Elderberry was always full when Isla was in.

“She loved Lady Elderberry and all the special plants there.

“We were devastated when we had to let go of that beautiful nursery garden and community.

“I got to know what a great human she is.

“And so did the community of the nursery.

“She made many friends and was particularly good with a neurodiverse little boy.

“Please, if you have any information, a potential sighting, or know anything, please contact Fawkner CIU.”

Her mother Justine Spokes also asked people on social media to contact police if they think they have seen her missing daughter saying her girl was “dearly missed.”

“She leaves an impression, she’s hard to forget,” Ms Spokes said on social media.

“She has a fighting spirit, sometimes it’s loud and sometimes it’s soft, always enduring.

“We’re here for you bub.

“I love you my care bear.

“If your gut feeling tells you a situation is off, it’s because it usually is – please speak out and say something.

“Keeping our communities safe is everyone’s business.”

Three days ago, Ms Spokes shared a message with her daughter, saying she had been trying to call her and was looking forward to planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef trip for her 20th birthday.

“Let us know your thoughts. We love you my darling,” she said.